NACDS: New IMS Health Study Validates Importance of Community Pharmacy Services

PRESS RELEASE

June 19, 2013 (Arlington, Va.) - National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) President and CEO Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE, issued the following statement today as the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics released a report detailing avoidable costs of more than $200 billion each year in the U.S. healthcare system:

“As the face of neighborhood healthcare, community pharmacies have contributed mightily to the progress that the IMS Health report has found in the areas of improved medication adherence and the use of generic drugs. By identifying $200 billion per year in avoidable costs, the report serves as an invitation for policymakers, private payers, employers, the entire healthcare delivery system, and patients to better leverage the value of community pharmacy to improve health and healthcare affordability.

“Though perhaps best known for their important role in helping patients use medicines safely and stay healthy, innovative pharmacy services do even more. From vaccinations, to health education, to disease state testing and management, personal and face-to-face interactions with community pharmacists go a long way to advance preventive care. While pharmacists are widely trusted and accessible, they are particularly valued by those in the greatest need.

“NACDS will work to ensure that this report, and other aspects of the mounting evidence in support of community pharmacy services to address pressing health needs, fuels additional support for the Medication Therapy Management Empowerment Act — S. 557 in the Senate and H.R. 1024 in the House of Representatives.”